Wholesale trade declined 0.6 percent, thwarting economists’ expectations for a gain of 0.1 percent, while September was revised down to a decline of 0.3 percent from an initially reported 0.1 percent decrease.

Sales in the food, beverage and tobacco sector tumbled 3.0 percent, the third decrease in four months. Motor vehicle and parts sales fell for the fourth month in a row, with the sector down 2.1 percent.

Wholesale inventories rose 0.5 percent. Gains were seen in three out of seven subsectors, which accounted for 62 percent of total inventories. Inventories in motor vehicles and parts rose 3.3 percent to reach their highest level on record.

Canada was in a mild recession in the first half of the year and although growth resumed in the third quarter, early data has suggested the fourth quarter got off to a weak start.